GADFly Newsletter – April 2025

In This Issue

Registration Opens April 30: GAD Institute registration goes live at Noon CT! Mark your calendar and start planning for Charleston, SC, July 22–24.
Key Deadlines & Events: April 30 is a big day—All-GAD Call at 3 PM ET, Smart Growth Learning Lab at 2 PM ET, and the deadline to submit your GAD Vice Chair letter of intent. Plus, RSVP for RLM events and register for virtual trainings.
Updates & Resources: From the new President’s Cup reporting process to Apex Training and grant opportunities, don’t miss these tools to strengthen your advocacy work.
Advocacy Scoop – Fair Housing for All: Shannon and Patrick break down NAR’s 360 approach to Fair Housing in the latest Advocacy Scoop episode—listen now!
Compliance & Policy Highlights: Review RPAC contribution dos and don’ts, dive into key federal updates, and explore success stories from associations using REALTOR® Party resources

Dates to Remember

Apr 17: Rural Outreach Grant Webinar, 2 PM ET
Apr 30: GAD Institute Registration Opens, Noon CT
Apr 30: Smart Growth Learning Lab, 2 PM ET
Apr 30: All GAD Call, 3 PM ET
Apr 30: Deadline to submit Vice Chair Statement of Intent
May 15: NAR Committee Application Closes
May 20: AEI Year-Round Webinar, 1 PM ET
May 31 – June 5: REALTORS^® Legislative Meetings
July 1: RCE Applicant Deadline
July 22 – 24: GAD Institute (Charleston, SC)

Chair’s Letter

Hey GAD Friends,

Lately I’ve been thinking about how easy it is to get caught up in the chaos – deadlines, political curveballs, long meetings, short fuses, and all the above comes with this work.

Sometimes we feel like a circus act as we juggle a dozen issues while walking a tightrope over zoning codes and housing studies. The pace of our world can feel overwhelming.

But, the strength of our network, the relationships we build with members, elected officials, stakeholders, and one another – that’s the foundation of effective advocacy.

Our work might not be flashy, but it’s deeply important. Defending property rights, advocating for smart growth, ensuring housing policy isn’t an afterthought in any of our communities – while each of us deal with different issues in our markets, we are all in the arena together. We have the tools, persistence, and talent to keep delivering results.

Remember, you are not alone in this work. Lean on your fellow GADs. Share what’s working and vent about what isn’t. This network is full of people who get it – and who have your back.

Let’s continue showing up with purpose and lifting each other as we go.

Thank you for all your hard work. I am eager to connect with you in DC soon!

–Lacey Everett

What You Need to Know

Apex Training Registration Open Now!

The Apex training is for GADs who have completed the New AE/GAD training in the last 7 years and want to learn from fellow GADs, NAR staff, and top-tier political consultants about how to use NAR’s state and local programs to maximum effect in their association’s advocacy work. For more information contact John Winston.

Register Here

2025 Policy Pulse is Here!

NAR has compiled the results from this year’s Public Policy Survey—and the findings offer a snapshot of the most pressing advocacy issues facing GADs across the country. More content coming soon on these results!

Check out the key findings here.

New Process for Reporting President’s Cup Goal Achievements

State and local associations should now submit Advocacy progress through NAR’s online submission forms—attach your documentation, and staff will review submissions monthly. Don’t forget new Advocacy Goals were approved last Fall and are effect for 2025!

State President’s Cup – Proof of Achievement Form (Advocacy Only)
Local President’s Cup – Proof of Achievement Form (Advocacy Only)

Questions?
Advocacy Goals: Contact Victoria Givens
RPAC Goals: Contact NAR RPAC staff

RLM | Smart Growth Field Experience Tour

The Community Outreach team is hosting a Smart Growth-focused field experience tour at the REALTOR® Legislative Meetings on Wednesday, June 4 from 12:30 – 3:45 pm. A limited number of slots are being held for conference attendees who are AEs or GADs. Register here.

GAD Vice Chair Submissions Due April 30

Local GADs interested in running for GAD Vice Chair must submit their statement of intent by April 30! Send a letter to Jami Sims, signed by your AE, to be considered.

Don’t miss this chance to step into a leadership role—submit your letter today!

REALTORS® Legislative Meetings

GADs, the following meetings and events are designated as ‘By Invitation Only’ but rest assured—all GADs are invited to attend.

Sunday, June 1
1:00 – 2:00 PM ET
GAD Briefing on Federal Issues

Monday, June 2
1:30 – 2:30 PM ET
GAD Meeting

Monday, June 2
2:30 – 3:30 PM ET
GAD Breakout Sessions (State & Local)

Monday, June 2
6:00 – 8:00 PM ET
GAD Reception

Wednesday, June 4
9:00 – 11:30 AM ET
GAD Professional Development

Here are other noteworthy meetings to keep on your radar. This list will be updated leading up to RLM. Keep an eye out for the RLM Special Edition of the GADFly in late May.

Virtual Events to Attend

Enhancing Rural Development Initiatives | Thurs, June 17th, 2:00 PM EST

Tap into the Rural Outreach Grant to help your association tackle rural priorities like broadband access, well and septic issues, and open space preservation. Learn how other REALTOR® associations are using this NAR grant to make a lasting impact in their communities.

Register Now!

Smart Growth Learning Lab | Wed, April 30, 2:00 PM ET

Want to make your community more walkable, vibrant, and connected? Join NAR’s Smart Growth Learning Lab to explore how grants and resources can support your association’s work on key issues like transportation and redevelopment. Workshop ideas, share strategies, and get inspired.

Register Now!

All GAD Call | Wed, April 30, 3:00 PM ET

Mark your calendar! The next All-GAD Call is scheduled for Tuesday, April 30 at 3 PM ET.

Register Now

Missed March’s Call? View the recording here. (P/W: k=D+1TWa)

Resources from the March Call:

RPR Website
- If you don’t have access email ValerieR@narrpr.com to set up your account and ensure you have access to Association Tools.
NAR Metro Market Stats

Compliance Corner

RPAC Credit Card Contributions

Contributions to RPAC must be made with personal funds only and cannot be funded through corporate accounts.
Contributions to RPAC may be made using a personal credit card; contributions from corporate credit cards are strictly prohibited.
The cardholder making the contribution must be at least 18 years of age, a U.S. citizen, and not a foreign national or a federal contractor.

Questions? Contact Darby Thorne, Director of Political Compliance.

Compliance Corner is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any matter.

#ICYMI

Advocacy Scoop: Fair Housing for All

April is Fair Housing Month, and Shannon and Patrick take us inside NAR’s 360 approach to the topic.

Listen Now!

Washington Report

REALTOR® Party News – April 2025

NXT UP: Fair Housing, Everyday Webinar (Recording)

NAR Research

Instant Reaction: Jobs, April 4, 2025
Job gains were solid in March, with 228,000 net additions.
By: Lawrence Yun

Market in Focus: Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh may not garner as many headlines as New York or D.C., but when it comes to affordability, the Steel City makes a strong case for itself. By: Nadia Evangelou

A Regional Look at Rising Female Homeownership
Homeownership among women in the U.S. has been on the rise over the past two decades. By: Anat Nusinovich

NAR Grants and Resources

Celebrate Fair Housing Month with Year-Round Impact

NAR’s Fair Housing Grants are available to help your association advance fair housing initiatives throughout the year. Looking for inspiration? The Fair Housing Toolkit offers ideas and strategies to strengthen your efforts and spark new programs.

Questions? Contact Hannah Dannenfelser.

Consumer voices make your advocacy efforts stronger

Is your association tackling a policy issue that homeowners or potential homeowners should know about? The Consumer Advocacy Grant provides up to $25,000 to help you engage consumers and champion homeownership and property rights. Requests are reviewed monthly at 2 PM ET, and applicants must give a five-minute presentation.

Apply now or contact Erin Murphy at 202-383-1079 for details.

Tackle Rural Issues with a Rural Outreach Grant

From broadband access to open space preservation, NAR’s Rural Outreach Grant helps associations address key rural challenges. See how Idaho REALTORS® used this funding to create a welcome guidebook for rural residents—and start planning your own impactful project.

Questions? Contact Hannah Dannenfelser.

Aristotle System Overview for PAC Managers

Aristotle provides a comprehensive resource library for managing your associations activities. To register for a system overview training, please contact Jillian Ruize for more information. We host trainings on the first Wednesday of each month at 10 AM MST and the third Wednesday of each month at 11 AM MST.

REALTOR® Party Success Stories

Each month, state and local associations that achieved an advocacy win with the help of a REALTOR® Party grant or resources are highlighted in the REALTOR® Party Success Stories. March’s success stories include:

Upcoming NAR Events

Check out the list of events here to save the date for upcoming conferences.

2025 AEI | Denver, CO
April 1 – 3, 2025 | Registration is open.

REALTORS® Legislative Meetings (RLM) | Washington, D.C.
May 31 – June 5 | Registration is open.

2025 GAD Institute | Charleston, SC
July 22 – 25, 2025 | Registration opens April 30, Noon CT.

GADFly Newsletter – April 2025